FWC catches missing bear

Friday, staff with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) caught the missing grizzly bear cub that had escaped in Collier County.

“We’re very happy that we located the bear and will be able to return it safely to its home,” said Capt. Mitts Mravic, area supervisor for the FWC.

The bear escaped early Tuesday afternoon from A Grizzly Experience, a licensed facility in Golden Gate Estates.

“Neighbors reported a sighting last night. We focused our efforts in that same area today and were able to locate it,” Mravic said.

A team of FWC staff, including officers and biologists, located the bear and tranquilized it so that it could be safely returned to its facility. The FWC is still investigating the cause of the escape to determine what actions will be taken to ensure this does not happen again as well as any costs associated with the response. FWC investigators will work with the local prosecutor to see if charges apply.

FWC Facts:The FWC protects and manages more than 575 species of wildlife.